12/29/2010

It's been a busy season and with New Year's Resolutions coming up I thought I had better share a few Christmas photos before the year was over. We spent a wonderful Christmas Eve at Dyann & Dave's... They are the most centrally located and we are the furthest away so we usually travel north for an evening of fun!

Kat, Brent & BJ were sitting around trying to make the doll talk... Dyann had a few Christmas cookies while my Mom behaved... My Dad and I had fun catching up with what's going on... Richard and Demaree enjoyed the festivities...

Amber wants to know were that horse came from; she had one like it as a child... Monica and Joel drove the farthest to get here and they were still smiling... Pete and Della always looking good... and Tuesday tries to figure out what makes this doll talk...

Mom with her children....

and Grandma with the wee ones....

All Some of the Grandkids....

As you can see the house is full (even with those camera shy)... lots of food and fun... after the kids open all their gifts the adults do a gift exchange. The gifts go into the center of the room; we draw numbers and choose a gift in turn; you're allowed to "steal" a gift only once. You never know what your going to get...

12/18/2010

The other day I received a very thoughtful response to the dress I had made for my Granddaughter which got me thinking... I should make one for this blogger's daughter; after all she has no one in her family that sews. My daughter thought this was a great idea and even had the perfect fabric in her stash... and it was pre-washed!

I used the same pattern I used for Tuesday's dress only made it a bit bigger. It's hard to tell just how big her little darling is in photos, and if it doesn't fit now it should fit later... The dress is flannel, lined with flannel and should keep her warm on cold days.

I took the dress in a bit at the neck since the pattern ran a little broad and might fall off her shoulders. While the dress was sweet just the way it was I wanted to embellish it a bit and decided to head over to Ribbon Jar...

I never like to follow a pattern exactly... I like to make it my own! so I added buttons where I took it in at the neckline and Pom Pom Ribbon at the hem.

I'm really pleased with the outcome and hope it fits... Just needs a little white shirt and tights and she's good to go play!

12/15/2010

My cabernet plants don't provide us with grapes for wine but they gave me a few beautiful long branches to make a wreath to use above my Santa's. I painted it white and added a bit of glitter... Hanging it with beautiful 4" wide Red Double Faced Satin Ribbon it completes my Christmas mantle!

12/14/2010

It's been awhile since I've sewn any little girl dresses so I thought it was about time I made something for my Granddaughter! She's a tiny little thing like her Mama was, so the pattern had to be modified a bit. I wanted to make something comfortable with Christmas colors that could be worn everyday so I chose to make a little jumper out of flannel polka dot and floral:

I was surprised that it fit her so well...

I still want to add 3 red buttons down the front and some ric rac around the bottom; but I had to make sure it fit before I went any further!

It's going to be a great dress for play:

Or just hanging out with her little Santa...

Now that I've honed my sewing skills... I may have to tackle a few more projects!

When it comes to getting ready for a Christmas Party we all go about it just a bit differently. I give it a lot of thought and run around like a mad woman trying to get it all done in a couple of days... Arlene on the other hand starts in November; just as soon as the Halloween decorations come down! This is probably a good thing because she decorates every corner of her home and every year it's different!

As you enter the home she wishes you a Merry Christmas with her siblings; that's her on the left...

As you enter the place comes alive with light!

Nothing goes without a bit of sparkle during the Holidays:

One of my favorite Christmas decorations is this wonderful picture given to her from her twin:

Don't think she's left the bathroom out because even that has a bit of decor, everywhere you look there's Christmas!

She has all her recipes chosen, dishes set out and shopping done... she'll start cooking tomorrow... while her home has been decorated for over a month the meal will be fresh and delicious!

We'll be sure to bring the camera to catch the fun when the party begins!

12/12/2010

It's a lot of work putting together a Christmas party... and I love it! I spend quite a bit of time thinking about the recipes I will cook and how things will be displayed, but it's really just the day before the party that sees the greatest amount of physical work done. I do shop two days before so I have everything needed and don't have to leave the house and can stay focused... it's amazing what you can get done in a day: finding the recipes, cooking, cleaning, cooking, crafting, cooking and even laundry...

of course there are those last minute things that need to be done, making fabulous chicken wings, setting up the bar area, hanging an extra lit ornament on the porch and finding just the right music... I'm glad I have a honey that likes to help because when it comes together...

let the fun begin...

Are you planning any festivities this season? Remember it's all in the planning...

12/29/2009

Just wanted to mention that I have a wonderful family and when it comes to gift giving they are most thoughtful!

First of all my son Brent and his girlfriend Kat brought over a trellis "made with love". He had made one for my garden years ago and it had finally given out. This one is much larger and I can't wait for summer to get here so I can plant some green beans on it. Isn't it fabulous! I love it and I especially love that he made it.

The next gift was from my daughter Amber and her husband BJ. A brand new doorbell! What made this so special was Amber had coaxed me out shopping on Christmas Eve day so BJ could install it while we were away. Funny thing is I didn't realize how awful ours looked until we had this wonderful new one!

Last but definitely not least the wonderful necklace from my husband. He knows that I love fun jewelry from MaryLou Zeek Gallery! Yes I have a few special ones he's gotten for various occasions!